PHOTOS: Celebrities stun in national colours as Uganda celebrates Independence

Celebrities such as Pia Pounds, Winnie Wa Mummy, Florence Nampijja, and Chosen Becky were among those who embraced the vibrant national colours in celebration of this significant day.

The 62nd Independence Day celebrations were held at Busikho Primary Teachers' College grounds in Masafu Town Council, Busia District.

This was a landmark event for Busia, as it was the first time the district hosted a national event of such prominence.

The theme for this year was ‘Independence Day: A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify Our Destiny.’

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The day's events began in the morning, featuring parade drills from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police, and the Uganda Prisons Service.

President Yoweri Museveni, the chief guest at the ceremony, awarded 40 national medals to distinguished Ugandans.

Among these, 30 were honoured with the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal, while others received notable accolades such as the Luweero Triangle Medal, the Masaba Medal, the Police Long Service Gold Medal, the Police Personal Sacrifice Medal, and the Police Meritorious Medal.

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In the lead-up to the celebrations, the Office of the President collaborated with the German NGO, Bazungu e.V, to provide free eye care services to the community at Masafu General Hospital from September 23 - 27, 2024.

Over 1,000 people were treated, including 300 diagnosed with cataracts and 105 with other eye conditions. Around 700 pairs of glasses were distributed, with those needing surgery set to receive treatment at Bukedea Eye Medical Clinic later this month.

A statement by Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, confirmed the attendance of a special delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by their Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, alongside the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Several other dignitaries and special delegations were also in attendance.

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Babalanda also reflected on Uganda’s tumultuous political history, highlighting the instability and military coups that plagued the nation until the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986.

She praised the NRM government for maintaining nearly four decades of stability, peace, and socio-economic development, citing key achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth.